Monday, December 28, 2009

I have organized Crew 513 this month and I would like to appeal to your generosity if you would be so kind to place an order via one of our moms... The Crew will earn 10% of every sale for the next 3 months. Make sure you mention that you are purchasing for Crew 513.

We are trying to raise funds for uniforms and upcoming activities, as well as community services and Merit Badge clinics that we will have this upcoming year.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Malibu Lodge Leadership Development and Awards BanquetTime: January 9, 2010 from 1pm to 7pmLocation: Church of Jesus Christ, LDSOrganized By: Malibu Lodge

Event Description:Training, Panda Express banquet, awards, and bestowing the Vigil Honor... Who could ask for a more fun-filled and glorious event to transition into the new year?

This event has two portions:

1pm-4pm (free): Lodge Leadership Development - required for Arrowmen who wish to run for 2010 Heyoka Chapter Officership.

5pm-7pm ($15): Awards Banquet catered by Panda Express.

Lodge Leadership Development: Members of the Order of the Arrow are trusted leaders and mentors within the BSA. There is always something new to learn about how we lead and inspire others, and hands-on, interactive training is one way the LLD aims to hone your leadership ability and keep your technique sharp. You will receive wise counsel from seasoned Youth Officers who are already walking the path that now lies before you. It is only right that those who plan to take their leadership to the next level, and become a Chief or Vice Chief within the Order, attend this event.

Awards Banquet: The beginning of the new year signals the time for reflection and renewal. The words of the East Wind, the Medicine Man, will always ring true: "He who serves his fellows is, of all his fellows, greatest." This reflection represents a time for us to recognize and praise those Arrowmen who have not only been active with and offered service to their home Unit, but also to those who have gone above and beyond what is required to offer distinguished service and exemplary leadership to their fellow Arrowmen and Scouts throughout the District, Council and beyond. Awards to be presented to these honorable, selfless individuals include the Quality Arrowman award, Silver Shark award, Founder's Award, and, the highest honor bestowed by the Order of the Arrow, the Vigil Honor.

For renewal, we will nourish our bodies with a great banquet. We will also rededicate ourselves to the high ideals and purpose of the Order of the Arrow, as well as congratulate and welcome the new Malibu Lodge Officers for 2010.

Note: The Awards Banquet is a very formal event, so Class A+ OA Uniform is required.

It's with great honor and humility that we provide the announcement of our most recent additions to the honorable roll of Silver Beaver Recipients. The awards will be presented at the Annual Council Recognition Dinner on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at The Odyssey Restaurant, 15600 Odyssey Drive, Granada Hills. Open reception is from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., with the 100th Anniversary Celebration Dinner and Program beginning at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $70 per person, or $650 for a table of 10 (names must be provided with the reservation). Please join us in our 100th Anniversary kick-off event that night, where we honor the volunteer efforts of these Silver Beaver recipients, those who have helped our council go in 2009 and get pumped up for another great year of Scouting in the Western Los Angeles County Council.

With thanks to our Council Advancement and Recognition Committee for the receipt, review and selection of our honorees, and for sponsoring the dinner, we salute the following for their enormous donations of time and talent for the youth of today:

Anett Abrahamian

April Barr

Russ Erman

Richard Fleming III

Michael Henderson

Theresa Jeensalute

Tamber Johnson

Eric Miele

James Montgomery

Gregory Small

Matthew Wood

Rod Zalunardo

The flyer should be distributed widely! Congratulations and thank you to each and every one of you.

Monday, December 14, 2009

It is with great pride I announce the 2009 Silver Beaver Recipients from our Balboa Oaks District.

Theresa Jeensalute

Tamber Johnson

Eric Miele

All are most deserving of this award which is the highest our Council can bestow. Plan on joining us in celebration of their awards at our Council Recognition Dinner on January 28th, 2010. Please save the date and we will have more complete info to follow along with all award winners from our Council.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Our heartfelt congratulations goes out to Joe Vitti for receiving the Leaders of Character Award from Learning for Life, Western Los Angeles County Council in recognition of his contributions to the Granada Hills North Neighborhood Council and the community.

Some of Joe's contributions include working on the formation and certification of Granada Hills North Neighborhood Council (GHNNC), serving on the Board and several committees for GHNNC, serving as our Council District 12 appointee on the Neighborhood Council Review Board, serving as the GHNNC representative and working on the Department of Water and Power-Neighborhood Council Memorandum of Understanding in 2005, representing GHNNC at the Los Angeles Neighborhood Council Coalition, and many others.

Joe also serves on the Boards of the Granada Hills Chamber, Los Angeles Mission College Foundation, Mid-Valley Family YMCA and is a member of Valley Vote.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Have your leaders been active in Scouting for 5 years or more? Are they also active in their faith community? Perhaps they're eligible for an Adult Religious Recognition. The adult awards are joint recognitions by local BSA councils and congregations. These awards are by nomination only. The process involves filling out a nomination form, writing a letter of nomination, securing signatures, and planning the presentation ceremony. Please note that each award has its own eligibility requirements so you need to review them carefully. Several nomination forms are available at the P.R.A.Y. web site. Scout Sunday is coming up quickly. Plan now to submit a nomination!

Your leaders are giving their time to serve young people. Salute your leaders and encourage them in their service by nominating them to receive a national recognition!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Troop 371 is a boy run Troop. That means the boys plan their meals and adventures. The parents act as guides and ensure the safety of their adventures. The Webelos will be assigned patrols and help plan the meals with the scouts. Each scout is assigned food to bring for the meals. The Webelos parents will plan meals with our scout parents.

We will be training the boys on orienteering at Vasquez Rocks, along with some hikes and nature studies. We will also be discussing plans for our upcoming backpacking trips and our long term summer backpack. So, please join us for our Vasquez Rock camp out and see what Troop 371 has to offer your scout.

If you have any questions please contact our Troopmaster Michael Solymar at (818) 832-1036.

We believe this program is the best way to introduce Scouts to the fun of winter sports, not just to earn their merit badge, but also to increase their awareness and appreciation of the local mountain environment.

This program is offered to Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts only. It is our goal to ensure as many children as possible are introduced to the sport of skiing or snowboarding.

We sincerely hope you will join us this season for the Winter Merit Badge program. We promise your experience with us will be fun as well as educational. For the scouts who are at the next level or have earned your Winter Merit Badge you can still sign up for the Merit Package and take an intermediate or freestyle lesson.

The prices noted on the price sheet are available to Scouts only. A minimum group size of 10 is required to qualify for the Winter Merit Badge program. For every 10 paid Scout lift tickets, we will offer one (1) free adult leader or chaperone lift ticket (rentals/lessons not included).

On the morning of your event:

Upon arrival please check in at the Group Sales Office. To avoid congestion in the office, please have your group members wait outside the office area until you have completed check-in.

Please have one of your chaperones proceed to the rental department with Scouts.

After the check-in process is completed, you will have one hour to return any unused tickets or make any changes to your order. One hour after you have checked in, your order will be closed and any revisions will be compensated with vouchers. Scouts should be dressed accordingly and ready to report to the rental department and then to the mandatory safety meeting. Troop leaders must be present at the safety meeting.

Once you have completed check in and have your rental equipment, meet on the upper deck facing the snow fifteen minutes before the lesson (8:45 and 10:45).

After the safety meeting, our merit badge counselor will direct the Scouts to their group lessons and location.

Upon completion of the group lesson, the Scouts will be released to the Troop Leader. The group is then free to spend the balance of the day skiing or snowboarding on their own.

The Troop Leader should arrange to leave the blue cards with Group Sales to be picked at approximately 3:00pm in the Group Sales Office.

The Merit Badge Counselor will sign the cards. Snow Valley does not carry blue cards.

Prior to departure check the weather and road conditions and remember to always carry snow chains in your vehicle. Weather in the mountain can change rapidly.

Refunds will not be given due to weather conditions, upon or after your arrival.

Follow the Scout motto and be prepared for anything! Always dress warm and in layers, especially hands, feet and head.

Please read the AB100 questions and answers below. It will answer a lot of the questions on how you can be a part of this great opportunity to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Boy Scouts of America.

You do have opportunities to just come in for the day and visit, or you can serve as staff.

Adventure Base 100 Questions and Answers

Q. What is Adventure Base 100 (AB100)?
A. Adventure Base 100 is a 10,000 square foot scouting experience. Adventure Base 100 will enable the Boy Scouts of America to directly connect with millions of families across the country and invite them to join us in celebrating the adventure, and continuing our journey. The18-wheeler will travel from coast to coast, telling the story of Scouting at each stop. After passing through the dramatic entrance with its rustic archway, visitors to AB100 will be greeted by a sprawling campus of BSA-branded structures and activities:

Q. Is there a cost to attend Adventure Base 100?
A. Adventure Base 100 will be housed inside the Tournament of Roses Showcase of Floats. The cost for the Showcase of Floats is $7 per person. Staff will get a wristband to enter for no cost.

Q. Who can staff the event? How do I qualify to be an AB100 volunteer? Can non-Scouts volunteer?
A. Scouts in full uniform who are at least 14 years of age and have achieved the rank of First Class and Scout Leaders. Youth to Adult Child Ratio is at least 2 to 1. For youth volunteers preference will be given to high school aged Life and Eagle Scouts. For insurances reasons, all volunteers must be registered members of the BSA. BSA registration will be checked to ensure that all Scouts and Scouters are currently registered with their own council.

Q. What do Scouts/Scouters do to volunteer for AB100?
A. Contact the host council AB100 Council Coordinator.

Q. Who are the Host Council Adventure Base 100 Coordinators? If I am not from one of the Host Councils for the Adventure Base - can I still participate?
A. Yes, any qualifying Scout/Scouter can volunteer for AB100 Staff. Contact the host council coordinator listed below for the specific date that you are interested in volunteering. Only the three host councils can place volunteers into the volunteer schedule on their specific date. For Orange County Council and San Gabriel Valley Council, please use the attached volunteer forms.

Q. Will I need a tour permit to volunteer as an AB100 Staff member?
A. Yes, they are required for any unit that will be participating. An individual Scout with a parent does not need a tour permit.

Q. Location of the event?
A. Inside the Victory Park Post Parade Area

Q. Will AB100 staff members have access to the TOR Floats?
A. Yes, Volunteers will receive wristbands that provide them entrance to the venue at no cost.

Q. What is the Parking location and cost?
A. If you carpool, you can park at the Smiser Scout Service Center at 3450 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena

Q. Where are the nearest restrooms?
A. Restroom locations will be marked on the Showcase of Floats map

Q. Who will handle sanitation and security?
A. The Tournament of Roses volunteers will handle both sanitation and security.

Q. Will Food and Beverages for staff be available for purchase?
A. Yes, food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Q. What are the overnight housing options?
A. If individuals are seeking information for housing options; please contact Sue Newton of the San Gabriel Valley Council @ (626) 351-8815 ext 248 or snewton@bsamail.org as soon as possible

Q. What will be sold at the Scout Store?
A. National will have numerous Centennial items available

Q. Who are the sponsors of the BSA Centennial Celebration and Adventure Base 100?
A. Accenture, AT&T and ExxonMobil

Q. Who will be attending the VIP Reception on Saturday 1/2?
A. The January 2nd reception is from 9 until 11 a.m. at the Adventure Base. Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for 12 and under.

Chief Scout Executive Robert Mazzuca will be speaking at 9:30.

The reception cost will get you a wristband that will give each guest the opportunity to see all of the floats on display.

Q. Who will be performing on the AB100 stage?
A. Scouts from each council will have the opportunity to share their special talents. In order to perform, please contact each host council coordinator for the date you want to share your talents.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Here is a great opportunity to be involved in being part of the 100th Anniversary of Scouting and being up close and personal with the Boy Scouts of America Rose Parade Float. All councils in southern California are invited to participate.

The Orange County Council, Los Angeles Council and San Gabriel Council will join the National Council in developing a Scouting float to be included in the Tournament of Roses Rose Bowl Parade on New Year's Day 2010.

A few openings for float decorating have recently been released. The ratio is one adult per child and all youth participating must be over the age of 13.

The following dates are available:

December 27, 8 am - 4 pm (5 groups of two)

December 27, 4 pm - 11 pm (11 groups of two)

December 30, 4 pm - finish (4 groups of two)

If you are interested in participating in any of the above dates please call Rachel Rash at (714) 546-4990 Ext. 148.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

The Boy Scouts of America is pleased to announce the introduction of 13 new belt loops and pins as part of the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program. It has been more than 10 years since new topics have been added to the program, which is supported by the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program Guide, No. 34299. Look for the new blue cover on this new edition, available for sale starting late January 2010 in stores and online at www.scoutstuff.org.

Academics:

Disabilities Awareness

Family Travel

Good Manners

Nutrition

Pet Care

Photography

Reading and Writing

Video Games

Sports:

Hiking

Hockey

Horseback Riding

Kickball

Skateboarding

Belt loops and pins are a great way to help Cub Scouts fulfill the aims of Scouting - building character, developing citizenship, and encouraging mental and physical fitness. Through a variety of subjects, a boy can stretch his mind and abilities by exploring the wonders of science, learning about the world around him, and expanding his skills in new areas.

The belt loops may be worn with the Cub Scout uniform on the Cub Scout belt. Webelos Scouts who have chosen to wear the khaki uniform may still wear the blue Cub Scout belt so as to display the belt loops they have earned. (The pins are not worn on the uniform.)

The Cub Scout Academics and Sports program gives leaders and youths a supplemental enrichment opportunity to earn recognition for learning and skills development. Leaders often use this program to enhance den, pack, or family participation and provide more immediate recognition opportunities.

In addition, a new feedback vehicle has been created for comments and suggestions on the new Program Guide. The Boy Scouts of America welcomes your comments and suggestions, which can be sent to academics&sports@scouting.org for consideration.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Here's an opportunity to follow up on the positive exposure of the first ever Boy Scout Parade Float in the 2010 Rose Parade.

We can continue to show that Scouting is alive, well, and serving the community by participating in the first ever Los Angeles Half-Marathon. This seems to be open to all levels of Scouting and activities involved will be age appropriate.

The inaugural run of the 13.1 Marathon Los Angeles takes place right here in our backyard. This is a half-marathon - I guess that means 13 miles rather then 26, but it is all within Crescent Bay. Starting at Venice Beach Blvd., south to Venice Blvd., east on Venice Blvd. to just east of Motor Avenue, 180 degree turn and back west along Venice Blvd. to Main Street, and finishing at Rose Avenue.

The Half-Marathon starts at 7:15 am, on Sunday, January 10th - they want volunteers along the way starting at 6:15 a.m. The course is to be open for about 3 ½ hours which means that the whole thing is over before noon.

Depending on the number of interested volunteers - and Scout units - Scouting can claim one or more water stations along the way. There may be assistance that can be provided at the start and at the finish as well - up to each unit to make the contact, claim a spot.